March 15, 2009

Severe weather preparedness week

       Springtime in Indiana means the possibility of severe weather.  Governor Mitch Daniels has proclaimed March 15-21 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week.  On Wednesday, March 18, a statewide test of communications systems will be conducted through two tornado drills.  The first will be between 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., the other between 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Schools and businesses are encouraged to participate in the morning drill. Citizens are asked to review their plans and procedures at home if a tornado occurs by participating in the evening drill.

         Severe weather occurs most often from April to July, but can occur at any time of the day or year. There is typically very little time to react in an actual tornado, so it is important to have a plan in mind. Be sure family members know what to do if they are at home, work or school when a tornado hits.
 

If you are at home:

• Go to the basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of the building.
   
• If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a smaller inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
   
• Get away from the windows.
   
• Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they tend to attract debris.
   
• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it. Use arms to protect head and neck.
   
• If in a mobile home, get out and find shelter elsewhere.
   

If you are outdoors:

• If possible, get inside a building.
   
• If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building.
   
• Be aware of the potential for flooding.
   
• Use arms to protect head and neck.
   

If you are in a car:

• Never try to out drive a tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air.
   
• Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building.
   
• If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
   

         The purpose of severe weather preparedness week is to better educate people about the hazards of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, and to help be prepared when severe weather occurs. While tornadoes can occur at any time of the year, Hoosiers are at their greatest risk between now and the end of June. Being prepared can help save lives.
 
    

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